Volunteers rally together to support community members affected by an ICE raid.
A 12-year-old boy was abandoned on a sidewalk during an ICE raid in Waltham, Massachusetts. Community volunteers swiftly intervened, ensuring his safe return home. Local officials reiterated that they do not cooperate with ICE, amid rising tensions and public protests against federal immigration enforcement practices. Notably, Waltham City Councilor Colleen Bradley-MacArthur criticized ICE’s actions and called for better dialogue between law enforcement and community members. The incident has prompted broader discussions about immigration policies and their impacts on families and children in the region.
Waltham, Massachusetts – A 12-year-old boy was left alone on a sidewalk after an ICE raid took place in Waltham on May 4, 2025. The boy was abandoned by immigration enforcement agents who arrested the adult he was with on Felton Street and drove away, leaving him behind.
In a display of community support, neighborhood volunteers wearing pink vests located the boy and made sure he returned home safely. Local authorities, including the Waltham Police Department, confirmed that they do not collaborate with ICE in their immigration enforcement efforts, as Massachusetts law prohibits local law enforcement from assisting federal agents.
The incident has drawn widespread criticism, with Waltham City Councilor Colleen Bradley-MacArthur present during the raid. She recorded part of the event and expressed profound concern over the well-being of the child. In another troubling development, an ICE agent allegedly attempted to intimidate her by driving their vehicle towards her while she was observing the situation from the sidewalk, instructing her to stand back and not interfere instead of identifying themselves.
Community members rallied in response to the treatment of individuals during ICE operations, sparking discussions about the overall enforcement tactics employed by immigration agents. Reports of similar incidents have surfaced in other Massachusetts communities, highlighting growing unrest among residents. In an incident prior to the Waltham event, ICE agents forcibly removed a man from a work van by smashing a window when he refused to exit, which was recorded by onlookers. The agent involved in that case also failed to identify themselves as required by law.
Massachusetts State Senator Peter Durant provided context about the nature of ICE operations, emphasizing that agents conduct their enforcement activities with a focus on documented offenders rather than indiscriminately apprehending individuals. However, community reactions following ICE raids have been overwhelmingly negative, leading to protests and calls for accountability.
On May 8, further tensions arose in Worcester, where residents confronted ICE agents during the arrest of a woman. This confrontation highlighted the growing divide between community members and federal immigration enforcement. In light of these incidents, Bradley-MacArthur reiterated the importance of fostering dialogue between volunteers and law enforcement to ensure safety and protect community members during such operations.
Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin later confirmed that ICE did assist the boy in contacting a parent, who chose to have the child walk home alone. This decision raised additional questions about the wellbeing of minors during immigration enforcement activities and the support systems in place for individuals affected by such operations.
The ongoing immigration enforcement policies under the Trump administration have intensified actions like these across Massachusetts, leading to both community concerns and increased operational activities by ICE. In response, various rallies and gatherings have emerged as citizens express their discontent with immigration policies and the treatment of individuals during ICE raids, calling for a reevaluation of how these events are managed at the local level.
As K-12 educational institutions and community organizations assess the impact on local families and children, the broader conversation regarding immigration enforcement continues to unfold, with many advocating for reform and clearer guidelines to protect vulnerable individuals during enforcement operations.
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